Anywhere in the country, call:

Anywhere in the country, text:

About MHA

Mental health is fundamental to the quality of every human life. We are deeply committed to promoting mental health for everyone. We offer various programs designed to be educational and supportive. People working in the helping professions seeking to enhance their skills can attend our specialized training sessions. Join our advocacy force that focuses on improving access to treatment and creating better legislation on mental health issues.

Explore our website to find helpful information and resources. If you'd like more information or assistance from our friendly and knowledgeable staff, please call us at 314-773-1399.

Our Vision and Mission

Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri (MHA-EM) envisions a just, humane, and healthy society in which all people are accorded respect, dignity, and the opportunity to achieve their full potential free from stigma and prejudice.

MHA-EM works toward this vision by embracing our mission statement:

To promote mental health and to improve the care and treatment of persons living with mental illness through advocacy, education and service.

We are affiliated with Mental Health America, the oldest and largest volunteer movement in the country concerned with mental health and mental illness.

St. Louis history

Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri (formerly The Mental Health Association of Greater St. Louis) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1945 for the purpose of giving form and structure to the growing community concerns for the needs of those with mental illness. MHA-EM is the only organization in the St. Louis community concerned with the entire spectrum of mental health and mental illness.

The mission of MHA-EM is to represent the public’s interest in all matters relating to mental illness and mental health. MHA-EM is dedicated to using its limited resources in the most effective way to lead the local mental health movement, addressing the needs of the community at large on all issues of mental health and mental illness.

Each year, more than 100 community volunteers help MHA serve St. Louis City and St. Louis, St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren, Franklin and Jefferson Counties.

It is estimated that over 270,000 St. Louis area citizens are in some way affected by mental illness. This includes almost 40,000 children. On the national level, almost 40,000,000 Americans are affected by the day-to-day struggle of mental illness.

National history

Mental Health America (MHA) is the country’s leading nonprofit dedicated to helping all people live mentally healthier lives. With more than 300 affiliates nationwide, MHA represents a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the nation—everyday and in times of crisis.

Mental Health America was founded in 1909, by Clifford W. Beers, a young businessman who struggled with a mental illness and shared his story in his autobiography “A Mind That Found Itself.” He created a national citizens’ group called the National Committee for Mental Hygiene to promote mental health and improve conditions for children and adults living with these health problems. It was a revolutionary act and attracted prominent scholars such as William James and Adolf Meyer, and prominent families such as the Phipps, Rockefellers and Vanderbilts.

The Mental Health America name represents how critical mental health is to the overall health and well-being of every American. The bell image in our logo is a graphic representation of an actual 300-pound bell, the Mental Health America Bell. It was forged in 1953 from the iron chains and shackles that bound people in mental asylums. It serves as a reminder of our past, the progress, and is a powerful symbol of our vital mission to help all Americans live healthy and productive lives.